ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

There is a countless army who inspired, prodded, encouraged, laughed and cried with me whilst I was writing this book—many thanks for staying the course.

Dave the rock; Daddy and Mammy—never far away; Bonnie, Rosie, Rebecca, Meghan, Nicole, Jason; The Golden Girls; wee pal—cousin Anna; Janet Keet Black; Mamie for Keith’s poem; David Cowan; Glen neighbours; David Campbell the book man; Portsoy Peter (deceased).

A special thanks to Robert Dawson (my radgy gadgie); John Beaton; Catherine; Tom and Seán.

And a great big thanks to Michael G Kidd who wrote Where do I Belong? especially for me.

I am eternally grateful to the Scottish Arts Council, who through a fine grant allowed me the freedom to research further than I could otherwise have done.